Russia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Alexander Darchiev addressed a group of diplomats and guests at a Russia Day celebration at the Russian Embassy in Washington on June 11. He expressed optimism that relations between the U.S. and Russia would move forward under the Trump Administration. He said that he had told President Trump when he presented his credentials as ambassador, which he had done together with other new ambassadors that very day, that he would do his utmost in his post to return the U.S.-Russia relationship to normalcy. He lauded Russia Day as a celebration of the unity of the Russian people with its myriad of people of various ethnic and confessional backgrounds.
Despite disagreements from the events of previous years, Russia and the U.S. were “condemned to peaceful coexistence,” he said, adding that it is important to respond to crises based on the principle of multipolarity and taking into account new geopolitical realities. “Diplomats should not forget that their job is to bring nations closer together, not only at the level of government, but also at the level of the people.” He said that this involves creating a greater understanding of each others’ history and culture among the people of both countries.
